I don’t know what I’m thinking-

because all that I see is his face laughing; Mephistopheles. 

Today’s title comes from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra production “Beethoven’s Last Night.” 

I used to have a Beethoven t-shirt.  On the front it had his picture and the back said, “1770-1827”.  I was going to include something clever about vintage or “old skool” music, but I didn’t really think anyone would get it.  People don’t get most things, and it was bad enough having people stare at my chest and ask, “Who’s he?  Is that Einstein?”

Anyway.  Beethoven.  I was listening to “Sonata quasi una Fantasia ‘Moonlight’ Op. 27, No. 2. Presto” or, in short, the third movement of the “Moonlight” sonata.  It’s my favorite work of his, although certainly not his best. 

Listening to the song always makes me think of the quote from the book “Little Women”.  It’s something along the lines of “Talent is not genius and all the practice in the world will not make it so.”  I have talent, but talent is superficial.  I lack the creativity of true genius.

Of course, I shouldn’t complain.  But really, what’s worse:  Being mediocre enough that you are unaware of it, or possessing enough talent to know your own shortcomings?  In true human fashion, I cannot be satisfied with what I have and want to be the best.

I finished another composition today.  Haven’t named it yet.  It’s in C minor and it sounds strangely like everything else I’ve written.  Except for the parts I ripped off from Beethoven.